Knowing what causes headaches is an important step in treating
a headache. It is a good idea to first have a physical examination
to make sure you are in good health.
There are many reasons why people suffer with headaches.
Take an active role in assessing your particular causes
by playing a detective-type role. Below are some of the
main contributors to headaches to help you get started in
your investigation.
Some have a genetic predisposition to headaches.
If this is so, other family members will also experience
headaches.
The way we were brought up can play a significant
role in our health due to learned habits of coping
or caring for ourselves. All kinds of physical problems,
including headaches, can manifest if one has been
brought up in an abusive family situation.
Medications can play a part in the development
of headaches. Be sure to ask your doctor if headache
pain can be a side affect of any medications you
are on.
Dietary factors are another consideration. Sometimes
people are successful in eliminating certain foods,
one at a time, to see if their headaches stop or
are less frequent. You may also be tested for food
allergies.
Psychological problems such as repressed emotions,
depression, fear, anger and stress can lead to headaches.
Physical disturbances in the body such as digestive
problems or nutritional deficiencies can lead to
headaches. Again, consult your health care practitioner.
Environmental factors play a large role in the
development of headaches. These include weather
changes, chemicals or certain odors, to name a few.
Hormone imbalances may be another consideration.
This is another good reason to see your health care
practitioner.
When the structure of the body is not functioning
properly it can lead to tightening of muscles, bringing
on headaches. Also, problems with the cervical spine
can lead to intracranial pressure causing headaches.
Other structural problems could cause pinched nerves
or blocked flow of fluids, both potentially leading
to headaches. Structural problems should be evaluated
by your health care practitioner, especially your
chiropractor or osteopath.
Lifestyle factors such as disturbances of sleep
patterns and other poor health care are considerations
in the management of headaches.
*Please note- you may experience headaches
due to multiple causes.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms
please consult your doctor immediately:
Sudden changes in the severity of your headaches
Changes in your memory, personality, behavior
or consciousness
Changes in your vision or ability to walk
If you are experiencing headaches constantly
with no relief
If you are experiencing weakness, numbness, loss
of senses, seizures, unexplained fever or fever
with a stiff neck or rash, breathing problems, a
sore throat or respiratory infection
If your headache came on after coughing, straining,
exertion or injury
Hopefully this compilation of possible headache causes
will help you uncover the reasons you experience headaches
so you can become headache free!
Jean Olsen has been a licensed massage therapist since
1995 and is also a certified neuromuscular therapist. Jean operates a massage
practice specializing in natural pain relief and also maintains her website www.HeadacheStrategies.com.
For headache questions or reprint rights of this article, please contact
Jean.
